Find me in your labyrinth (Stella and Jonathan)

Chapter 2170

Norah replied, "Okay, I'll help out!"

"Alrighty!" Zachary called back, heading into the kitchen.

Jonathan stood up, walked over to Norah, and gave her shoulder a pat, "Xavier has been through a lot. He's mature and got a tough shell, and he's not one to change his mind easily. Prepare yourself emotionally, and be ready to face whatever comes without tears or resentments, especially not towards Estelle." Material © of NôvelDrama.Org.

Norah chuckled, "I bet that last bit is the real kicker, huh?"

Jonathan shot her a glance, "It's all important."

Norah's face turned serious, and she nodded earnestly, "Jonathan, I'll take your words to heart. Truth is, I've already hit rock bottom once. So, even if he still doesn't like me, I'll know I gave it my all and have no regrets."

"That's the spirit!" Jonathan nodded with approval.

Norah grinned, "Let's go have the barbecue, shall we? I asked Zachary to whip up some of Estelle's favorite dishes."

As expected, the mere mention of Estelle softened Jonathan's gaze.

"Let's go then!"

They headed upstairs where Estelle, hearing their approach, looked relieved to see Norah so at ease.

She knew Jonathan had his reservations about Xavier and his crowd, so accepting Norah's relationship with Xavier wouldn't come easy for him. She’d actually feared he might lash out at Norah.

Zachary brought the dishes to the table, beaming, "Dig in, everyone! Just holler if you need anything, and I'll be right on it!"

"Thanks, Zachary!" Estelle said.

"Treat yourself at home, no need for formalities!" Zachary chuckled before heading downstairs.

In Jonathan's presence, Norah didn't dare to sit too close to Xavier, choosing instead to sit next to Estelle.

Estelle could see right through her stratagem and whispered, "Did you get an earful?"

Norah whispered back, "Luckily, I had you to shield me. Estelle, you're my lucky charm from now on!"

Jonathan's concerns were unfounded. He even worried that she might resent Estelle, but she was clearly clinging to the coattails of her dear aunt-in-law!

Estelle nodded, "Use me as your shield if it works!"

Norah sighed in admiration, "It works like a charm, really!"

At the mention of Estelle, Jonathan didn’t look angry at all!

Estelle stifled a smile as Jonathan served her some food, and sweeping a glance at him, she decided not to continue the whispering.

In the cold weather, the group enjoyed the hot dishes, and the atmosphere quickly warmed up. Xavier, still recovering from his injuries, joined the others in substituting tea for alcohol, except for Estelle, who was allowed to enjoy a little beer.

Xavier felt awkward at first in front of Jonathan, as if he were somehow less significant, but gradually, he let go of the feeling.

"When are you heading back to C City?" Xavier asked Gabriel.

Gabriel replied, "Right now, we're just waiting for Old Mr. Quintin's daughter to return. There's nothing else holding us back."

Estelle, eyes downcast, asked, "Is there really nothing else you're attached to?"

Gabriel turned to her, "What exactly are you referring to?"

Estelle smiled coyly, "The old friend Grandpa mentioned. Which old friend was that?"

Gabriel kept his expression neutral, "You want to know? We'll have a proper chat when we get back."

Estelle didn't dare to get too cheeky in front of Gabriel and let out a nervous chuckle, "Just kidding!"

Jonathan poured Gabriel some tea, "Maybe you'd like to discuss it with me?"

Gabriel gave a faint smile, "Don't worry; I can't scare her. She's not even afraid of physical punishment anymore."

Estelle chimed in, "Shadows, you know? The psychological kind?"

Norah laughed, joining in, "Estelle, you've been physically punished before?"

Estelle glanced at Gabriel, raising an eyebrow playfully, "You should ask him!"

Norah looked at Gabriel with admiration, "You've actually disciplined Estelle? Do tell, what kind of trouble has she gotten into?"

Gabriel just smiled, "Let her tell you that story herself."